The day has finally arrived: Wynn Las Vegas, five years in the making, will open at midnight tonight. I’ve been lucky enough to be invited on the sneak peak media tour at 10, so I’ve got a 2-hour jump on the general public. I’ll post some of my thoughts here, and I’ll be basing the […]
Opening Wynn Las Vegas Read More »
life in vegas“Don’t worry about making mistakes and destroying money,” Steve Wynn has told his employees. I wish someone would tell me that. Oh yeah, they’re opening the world’s most expensive casino resort in a few days, so I guess that there’s some pressure on everyone.
“The clown became a monster and part of a cheap meal, like fast food.” That’s what Dimitri Bogatirev, a former Cirque performer who’s part of a husband-wife clown troupe, has to say. Read the whole story to learn more about it. Bogatirev blames horror movies for ruining the popular perception of clowns, but does anyone
MGM Mirage has gone outside Las Vegas to find an architect for the 4000-room casino resort that will anchor its ambitious City Center project that will replace the decidedly unambitious Boardwalk casino. It looks to be an interesting project.
It’s pretty rare to meet someone these days who isn’t developing a condo project along the Strip. According to experts, all this verticality is going to be good for business.
Condos on the Strip Read More »
life in vegasThere is a plethora of news today. For example, plans to dramatically expand the UK’s casino industry might have hit an impasse, but that’s no reason for Britons to stop betting on their upcoming elections. West Virginians, coming down from the amazing run of their men’s basketball team in the NCAA tournament, now have to
Quick notes, 4/4/05 Read More »
gambling & culture, life in vegasWynn Las Vegas is in a media blackout–no one is talking about its details in anticipation of its opening in less than a month. But anyone with a web browser can see thisWynn Las Vegas property map, which might pique your interest.
Inside Wynn Las Vegas Read More »
gambling & culture, life in vegasWhile browsing Harrah’s website, I decided to sign up to get email updates about properties. I already get them from most casino companies, and I figured that it might be a good idea to do the same for the soon-to-be world’s largest. I gave my email, the name of “UNLV Special Collections, and a birthdate
Today I got this email from the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration Committee: Answer: This is the date that a Las Vegas Category will be featured on Jeopardy! Question: WHAT IS: MONDAY, APRIL 4TH, 2005? That’s going to be fun, but what about an entire round based on Las Vegas and gambling topics?
“I’ll take Sin City for $200, Alex” Read More »
life in vegasIf you get a chance, check out Breaking Vegas tonight on the history channel at 9 PM. This episode is about Ed Thorp, the guy who greatly advanced card counting with “Beat the Dealer,” and I think that I’m going to be in it. I remember doing an interview for this show, so there’s a
Consider Vegas Broke Read More »
life in vegasIf it’s on the Internet, it’s got to be true, right? Maybe not. According to Dow Jones (so says Yahoo), Wynn Resorts is looking to build in Singapore. That seems reasonable. But one paragraph in, the article says that Wynn owns the Bellagio and Mirage.
Internet news: take it or leave it Read More »
news about gamblingSteve Wynn has seen the future, and it’s spelled R-F-I-D. When Wynn Las Vegas opens in April, it will have the latest in casino chips–high tech checks with radio frequency ID tags inside them.
RFIDing the future Read More »
life in vegasNot only is he a brilliant casino builder, he’s also self-deprecating. Commenting on the ad that ran during The Big Game On Sunday, Steve Wynn said: “The humor is central — it’s what saves it. I’m just another schmuck.” The story of the ad, if you didn’t see it, is quite interesting.
Just another schmuck…who’s redefined gaming Read More »
life in vegasIf you like the casino carpet gallery and are in the vicinity of the Imperial Palace tomorrow morning at 10, stop by the Samurai room. I’m giving a talk entitled “Art for Gamblers’ Feet: Casino Carpet from Coast to Coast” at the 17th annual meeting of the Far West Popular Culture Association. I’m not on
Casino carpet unleashed Read More »
life in vegas, what's newA few months ago, I spoke to Mali Finn Casting about a prospective movie about poker players, Lucky You. Today I got a follow-up email, which might give you–yes you–your big break: Casting is underway on Warner Bros./Director Curtis Hanson’s “Lucky You” to star Eric Bana (Troy, The Hulk) and Drew Barrymore. We’ve set up
Lucky you…in movies? Read More »
life in vegasNOTE: I stole that headline from the lede (or lead) to Liz Bentsen’s article, which seems to be the most complete coverage of the story that confronted me as I straggled into work late this morning. The story is: Landry’s Restaurants is buying the Golden Nugget from Tim Poster and Tom Brietling.
Fish and chips in downtown LV Read More »
life in vegasIt seems that the Tropicana in Las Vegas has something called the “Showgirl Showdown,” which from its name suggests showgirls staffing casino games. Either that, or The Price is Right has a new segment. There’s a picture from the Sun that shows the showdown in progress. I just thought that this was a great opportunity
The LA Times has a great article about Ted Ngoy, the one-time Los Angeles “doughnut king” who, thanks in part to a severe gambling problem and some bad decisions, is now homeless. It’s thought-provoking reading, to say the least.
“What happens in Vegas” ends in Long Beach? Read More »
life in vegasToday I was stuck by two Las Vegas news stories: the Key Largo is closing and Wynn Las Vegas is now accepting reservations. They are just another reminder that the wheel of fortune is always spinning.
When one door closes, another opens Read More »
life in vegasGSN shows lots of casino-related shows, including poker. Come to think of it, I could substitute a few other channels (ESPN, Travel Channel, Discovery, and probably Lifetime too) in there, and it would read just as well. But if you like to watch GSN, live in Las Vegas, and are too cheap to spring for
GSN is GONE (from LV preferred basic, anyway) Read More »
gambling & culture, life in vegas